Maid of Honor: Dealing with a Bossy Bride?

I am the maid of honor in the wedding of my best friend from high school. Each time I talk to her to discuss wedding plans, the conversation ends up hurting me in some way. For example, I told her I wanted to host a shower, and she said she didn't think that was a good idea since I don't know the rest of her friends. She later asked if I would be willing to host a small shower in our hometown, but then told me she wanted it held at her parents' house instead of my parents'. Now she has asked me to head up the clean-up crew for the wedding reception in addition to MOH duties. When I asked who else would be helping out, she said that she was sure someone would pitch in. I'm extremely upset and have seriously considered throwing in the MOH towel altogether.

A:

It seems that your bride thinks she has a servant in you! It's time for a heart-to-heart. The bride needs to know that she's hurting your feelings and also that you're not there to clean up after her. Of course you're willing to help -- that's clear -- but there's no reason she should be treating you the way she is. In fact, your willingness to help makes her behavior seem even worse. Perhaps she's just so caught up in wedding planning that she doesn't realize she's doing it. If talking doesn't change things, it's up to you whether or not to bag the wedding. The other option is to just set limits on what you'll do for her and leave it at that. Best of luck to you.